Most AFL clubs are back in pre-season training after the Christmas break and Jy Simpkin is one player worth keeping a close eye on in 2021, according to the Herald Sun’s Marc McGowan.
The 22-year-old played every game for the Roos in 2020, averaging 20 touches and almost four tackles per game.
McGowan, who attended North Melbourne’s first session in 2021 on Wednesday, said Simpkin has noticeably put on more size and was a “real standout” at training.
“I thought Jy Simpkin was a real standout (at North Melbourne),” he said on Sportsday.
“There might be some people laughing hearing that, but he does look like he’s in really good nick and he was attacking the drills with some real vigour.
“He had a really good season last year and I think he’s only going to go better this year.
“Even Luke Davies-Uniacke looked good as well, it was also good to see Ben Cunnington back out there after missing most of last season with injury.
“North Melbourne had said that he was tracking in the right direction and seeing him (back at training on Wednesday) confirms that.”
The session also marked David Noble’s first as senior coach, after he took over from Rhyce Shaw during the off-season.